I frequently see and hear boaters asking about Indiana boating laws. While this topic sometimes sparks debate, most (if not all) answers can be found in the Handbook of Indiana Boating Laws and Responsibilities. Below you will find a link to the most recent version per the Indiana DNR (Division of Natural Resources).

One point to note is that Morse Reservoir & Geist Reservoir are NOT waters of concurrent jurisdiction therefore laws that apply to waters of concurrent jurisdiction do not apply on the reservoirs (or many other land locked lakes in Indiana that do not share a border with another state). Per the handbook, waters of concurrent jurisdiction are defined as Lake Michigan (Indiana portion), the Great Miami River, the Ohio River, and the portion of the Wabash River that forms a border between Indiana and Illinois.

Linked here is the Handbook of Indiana Boating Laws and Responsibilities. If you are getting behind the wheel of a boat, PLEASE do your part by reading through the boating laws and your responsibilities as a boater!

Let’s all do our part to keep our waterways safe and enjoyable!